Stephens said the shark pulled him underwater after biting him and only released him after receiving blows to its head.

Doctors say Stephens suffered at least seven deep lacerations, but none of his vital organs were damaged. He is listed in fair condition.

Stephens also publicly thanked the doctors who operated on him and strangers who came to his aid. He said he plans to surf again.

In a separate shark encounter involving another Northern California surfer, Mariko Haugen, of Folsom, told Sacramento News10 she was swimming with her husband off Maui over the weekend when she encountered a tiger shark.

She said her martial arts training prepared her and she punched it twice.

Haugen was not bitten but said she did require stitches for some scratches.

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